Positive Thinking

We are living in momentous times. The world has experienced epidemics before, but not on such a world wide scale, where every country is severely affected. This virus has caused such immense upheavals in peoples’ lives, world economics and in the way we perceive our futures. In Australia, as in other countries, we are dealing with lockdowns, our movements are greatly restricted especially with socializing, we are wearing compulsory masks, and we are constantly readjusting our expectations. Being confronted with daily reports produces a great deal of insecurity, paranoia and depression. First and foremost, we need to understand that no matter how difficult every day situation becomes, this is only temporary. Life will resume.

What Is Important

Throughout this ordeal, we all had to evaluate what is important to us, and what are the things that are of primary importance in our lives that are worth fighting for.  This also connects together with what we want to achieve in our lives. It is very important to maintain a positive attitude,  and  we must look at ways to minimize the negative aspects. Spending more time at home, I have devised a plan to keep me mentally stimulated and focused.  I researched what I wish to read on such subjects as history, cooking, murder mysteries, biographies and of course on art. This is an ideal time to pursue my interests and keep positive. I have also researched programs that are available on Youtube and the rich and diverse mix of programs have given me many hours of pleasure and entertainment. Listening to music and playing the piano is also of vital importance to me. Being an artist, a large part of my day is spend on painting, drawing and thinking about art.

I Have Fallen In Love With Unexpected Things

Because of Youtube, I have found that I enjoy hiking videos especially by Kraig Adams (a lot of his videos are silent especially the ones after his Iceland trip which was one of the first for him to try this concept) and Erik Normark from Sweden. It is meditative for me to watch them. Maybe because we are so restricted, I have started watching train videos where again there is no speaking, it is from the driver view. I love this Youtuber name Railcowgirl who films her train routes on the Bergen line. Which has the famous Fjords and waterfalls especially in Flam. It looks so different to the land I am used, I find it fascinating to watch. Hurrah for the internet. I am using it to not only find interesting things to watch but learn more. There are always new things to learn about art and as artists we need to deepen our knowledge of art, irrespective of the style and medium we paint in. As with everything in life, we need to look for opportunities in this time of global crisis, to explore, engage and acquire knowledge to prepare for our future. These are all worthy pursuits, and with a positive attitude, we can achieve a great deal.